The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith, written by Dean Robbins and illustrated by Susanna Chapman. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 7 and up

"Thirteen-year-old Viola loved watching 
other bands on stage, especially the drummers. 

After each show, she introduced herself and 
asked for musical advice. 

"How do you make your hands and 
feet work well togethter?""

There were six sisters in the Smith Family Orchestra when Viola was growing up; five already had an instrument to play. Would Viola choose to play the drums? It wasn't easy in the beginning. She made a lot of noise, and had great difficulty keeping the beat as her sisters played. With help from her father and practice, Viola was soon joining in as the family entertained audiences with jazzy sounds in their own hometown ballroom. 

Each girl was given a chance to shine. Viola was always keen to entertain with music that was bold, flashy and fast! By the 1920s eight sisters were part of the group that travelled throughout the Midwest for growing audiences. Viola learned as she went, seeking advice from drummers she admired and persisting with practice to get better and better. When her sisters lost interest, Viola did not. Her love for music never waned. 

It was not a good time for women who wanted to live life as a musician. They were discriminated against in favor of men. So, Viola organized her own women's band: The Coquettes! One sister joined them. In doing so, Viola changed the way drums were played while the Coquettes gained fame and fortune. Viola was a hit, and used her fame to help other women find a life in music. Viola led the way! 

"In 2000, America celebrated Viola 
as a musical legend. 

But she wasn't done yet. 

At the age of 100 [in 2012], she was 
still slamming her snare and socking 
her cymbals." 

Using watercolor, gouache, cut paper and a digital zhuzh, Susanna Chapman created artwork that is as jazzy as the music Viola so loved.  Her spreads are filled with wild movement, endless sound and the expressive emotion that Viola brought to her playing. There is such joy on every page! 

Back matter includes an informative author's note, and lists of musical terms and resources.